Penny
Penny is a 44-year-old part-time teacher with two teenage children. After a routine mammogram, she was called back for more investigations. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, confirming her and her family's worst fears.
When RED ARC called, she was waiting to find out what her treatment would be and had a lot of questions to ask. So the nurse adviser arranged for one of RED ARC's specialist oncology nurses, Johanna, to get in touch.
Johanna spoke to Penny over a series of lengthy phone calls, giving her information and support. Penny was delighted: 'It really helped to be able to discuss the effects of my chemo and what to expect from the surgery. And when I needed advice about whether to go for reconstruction, Johanna's help was invaluable.'
Johanna and Penny also discussed everything from the use of Tamoxifen to how Penny felt about losing her hair. They're still in touch and, happily, Penny's making a full recovery.
Allan
Allan had a stroke last year at the age of 52. This came as a complete shock to his family because he was fit and took regular exercise.
RED ARC called and initially spoke to his wife because Allan was in hospital for several weeks. She was finding it hard to cope, looking after her family and facing so much uncertainty about the future. The nurse adviser listened and reassured her as much as possible. She also put her in touch with local support groups.
When Allan came home, what he wanted more than anything was speech therapy to help him get his confidence back. This was available through the NHS but a long waiting list left him upset and frustrated.
The nurse adviser quickly arranged two long therapy sessions, which gave him specific advice and strategies for dealing with his speech problems. She also sent lots of specialist literature for Allan and his family to read, helping them to understand the practical and lifestyle changes they needed to make. The nurse is still in touch and Allan knows he can call her whenever he needs to.
Neither Penny nor Allan were charged for any of these services.
